Plant profile
Holy basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Also known as Tulsi, Sacred basil, Ocimum sanctum, Tulasi.
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a warm-loving aromatic basil with a bushy habit and pink or white flower spikes. In tropical climates it can behave as a short-lived perennial, while colder gardens usually grow it as an annual.
- Grows well in
- Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Arid / inland, Mediterranean
- Lifecycle
- Tender perennial or warm-season annual
- Light
- Full sun
- Mature size
- Often 40 cm–1 m tall and 30–60 cm wide depending on climate and variety.
- Spacing
- About 30–45 cm apart.
- Growth habit
- Bushy, strongly aromatic basil with woody lower stems in warm perennial conditions.
- Native range
- Tropical and subtropical Asia through to the western Pacific, including northern Australia
- Natural habitat
- Seasonally dry tropical forest, open woodland and disturbed ground.
When to plant
Tropical
February–November
Subtropical
September–April
Temperate
October–March
Cool / mountain
November–February
Arid inland
September–April
Mediterranean
October–March
Plant once conditions are reliably warm. Tropical gardeners can establish plants for much of the year outside the coolest or most waterlogged periods; cooler climates should treat it as a warm-season basil.
Planting
Plant after cold weather has passed, at the same depth as the nursery pot. Pinch the growing tip once established if you want a compact, branching plant.
Position and light
Full sun gives the strongest growth and flavour. In extremely hot inland conditions, a little late-afternoon protection can reduce stress.
Soil
Moist but well-drained, reasonably fertile soil. Good potting mix works well in containers.
Watering
Water regularly while plants are actively growing, allowing excess water to drain. Do not keep pots waterlogged.
Feeding
Feed lightly but regularly in containers or use compost and a balanced garden fertiliser in beds. Avoid overfeeding with nitrogen.
Pruning
Pinch growing tips to encourage branching. Remove some flower spikes if you want more leafy growth, or leave them if you want seed and flowers for pollinators.
Harvest
Pick shoot tips and leaves regularly once the plant is established. Frequent light harvest encourages branching.
Propagation
Easy from seed and also possible from soft tip cuttings in warm weather.
Common problems
Aphids, leafhoppers and powdery mildew can occur. Cold weather quickly slows or damages plants.
Worth knowing
Ocimum tenuiflorum is also widely known under the synonym Ocimum sanctum. Regular tip picking keeps plants bushy, and the leaves have a clove-like, peppery aroma that is distinct from sweet basil.
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How it grows around Australia
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